Philippine President-elect Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos waits during his proclamation ceremony at the House of Representatives, Quezon City, Philippines, May 25, 2022. (AARON FAVILA / AP)

MANILA – Philippine President-elect Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Friday vowed to foster stronger and deeper Philippines-China relations during his six-year administration.

In his speech at the awarding ceremony to Filipinos that contributed to the promotion of the Philippines-China mutual understanding, the newly-elected Philippine leader lauded China's role in helping the Philippines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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I am fully confident that our relations will surely open a new chapter and be upgraded to new heights.

Huang Xilian, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines

Marcos also pledged to uphold an independent policy.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said the past six years saw China-Philippines relations consolidated, and China became the Philippines' largest trading partner, second-largest export market and the major source of foreign investments.

"I am fully confident that our relations will surely open a new chapter and be upgraded to new heights," Huang said.

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The Chinese embassy in the Philippines and the Association for Philippines-China Understanding on Friday honored 11 Filipinos, including former President Joseph Estrada, who helped forge a better understanding between the neighboring Asian countries.